The World Around Us

“Choose a job you love and you will never have to work a day in your life.”

Confucius almost had it right when he offered this famous advice.

You should strive to choose a job you love. However, even passion and motivation come with hard work, a strong will, and determination. As a medical sales pro, you’re no stranger to the mountains and valleys associated with loving your career.

Luckily, for many in this field, happiness associated with their medical sales jobs is higher than ever. In fact, according to a report, 76% of medical sales representatives are satisfied with their jobs. The same report also found 47% percent are not looking for a new job- that’s almost 50% lower than last year’s results.

These medical sales pros know the secret to being happy in a demanding field and that is to be your greatest advocate. Here are some of the best tips on how to be a successful medical representative and achieve happiness in your job.

Don’t settle

True career happiness is only possible when you step outside of your comfort zone. In fact, you may not even know you’re settling for a less-than-perfect career unless you start evaluating where you stand now.

Ask yourself a few simple questions:

Am I passionate about the product I’m selling?

Is my need to help others being fulfilled?

What are my ultimate career goals and can I reach them here?

Do I feel challenged?

Does my personality and selling style fit with this company culture?

Most medical sales reps agree that the key to success is believing in the product you’re selling. This cultivates even more passion and allows reps to feel they’re honestly bettering the lives of their customers and patients.

If your current company isn’t investing in research and development or you’re just not excited about their product, consider what would reignite your selling fire.

Now is the time to really evaluate yourself as a salesperson.

Write down actionable steps to reach your career goals. These goals need to be challenging and intimidating. You should feel they are attainable no matter how far in the future and that you have your employers’ support.

Phone a friend

Sales reps often forget to ask for help because they are mostly on the road and with customers.

This can be detrimental to your relationships with your co-workers. If you don’t address that right away, it can hurt your development.

Building a strong relationship with your co-workers can help you stay motivated. It can also give you an understanding shoulder to rely on. It can help you overcome obstacles, too.

Open up your schedule to meet with your co-workers. Making time for them can help you slow down, build relationships, and learn even more about your career.

Remember to always ask questions. Your peers have had different medical sales successes and failures than you. It’s important to give yourself the opportunity to carry those lessons into your own career.

Know your size

Medical sales isn’t a one-size-fits-all business.

Companies come in all shapes and sizes. Each one also has its own culture and managerial styles. Knowing what fits your personal style can help you make the best decisions regarding your career.

Start by figuring out what motivates you.

If you enjoy closer personal relationships with management and co-workers, a smaller company will fulfill those needs. However, if you like working with a big group, a large company is what you need.

You may be unsure which company size is your best fit and that’s OK!

Don’t be afraid to reach out to your network of peers from other companies. Ask them about what they love about their company, how managers help them, and what a normal day looks like for them.

Find a mentor

The process of finding a mentor isn’t quick and easy but it’s worth the end result. Scanning a room and picking the first person you see won’t help you. Even looking for the most successful medical sales rep isn’t the best approach.

Search for someone who has a similar personality, selling style, and attitude. This will help you connect and relate on a deeper level. The more comfortable you are, the easier it will be to ask questions about their key to medical sales success and happiness.

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